WNBA Legend Tina Charles Enters Craft Beer Industry with Founding of 78 Brewing Co.

New Haven, CT (July 20, 2026) – Two-time UConn women’s basketball championship team member, WNBA all-time rebounding leader and three-time Olympic gold medalist Tina Charles today announced the launch of 78 Brewing Co., home to craft beer brands dedicated to bringing people together over iconic stories. Every release will celebrate a story of discipline and excellence, beginning with 78-0 Hazy IPA, a tribute to the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team’s historic 78-game winning streak. Charles will serve as Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Crafted for anyone who has ever strived to reach their personal best, the 78-0 Hazy IPA carries a bright, citrus-forward flavor with notes of tropical fruit. Brewed at East Rock Brewing Company with Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops, at a full-bodied 6.5% ABV, it offers a smooth finish, just like the moments it was created to celebrate.

78-0 Hazy IPA’s logo and can design pay homage to the championship team that inspired it, featuring color-blocked shades of blue accented by gold detailing. Subtle references include two stars representing the back-to-back championship wins, along with the phrase “Chase Perfection, Catch Excellence” – something UConn fans will recognize as legendary Coach Geno Auriemma’s guiding philosophy. That tenet, plus Charles’ recognition of an industry imbalance and opportunity, inspired her to found 78 Brewing.

“I’ve always believed the best stories are shared over a great beer, and that idea inspired 78 Brewing,” said Charles. “I was further motivated to get involved in the category after learning how underrepresented Black women are in the beer industry. We make up less than one percent of it. I wanted to lend my resources, perseverance and voice to inspire others to pursue their passion.”

Brewed locally at East Rock Brewing Company in New Haven, the 78-0 Hazy IPA reflects a collaboration rooted in Connecticut pride. “Collaborating with Tina on the Hazy IPA for 78 Brewing Co. has been an absolute joy,” said Tim Wilson, Co-Owner and Brewmaster at East Rock Brewing Company. “She puts a lot of thought and care into every decision she makes, and it really shows with the incredible brand that she has brought to life. I’m excited for people to get this beer into their hands, learn about the story behind 78-0, and watch it evolve into a source of cultural pride here in Connecticut.”

“Tina has always been a visionary and this entrepreneurial venture reflects her passion to support meaningful causes,” said UConn Hall of Fame head women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma. “We are really happy that Tina chose to model her company’s initial beer offering after an impactful time in her life playing at UConn. She has been successful in everything she’s done, and I’m sure that the 78 Brewing Company and 78-0 Hazy IPA will be no different.”

Charles’ commitment to causes that hit close to home long pre-date 78 Brewing’s founding. Over a decade ago, Charles created Hopey’s Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest from claiming the lives of promising student athletes through its AED Grant Program. Bringing it full circle, 78 Brewing Co. will dedicate a portion of proceeds to her alma mater’s NIL Fund, supporting current and future student athletes. Charles will also share a portion of her revenue from 78-0 Hazy IPA with her teammates from both undefeated championship teams, reinforcing that the 78-0 legacy was never about one individual, but about the team that achieved it together.

“We congratulate Tina and are proud of the connection we have with her new company,” said UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict. “UConn is fortunate to have former student-athletes who treasured their time in Storrs and want to give back. Tina’s gesture to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of 78-0 Hazy IPA will help our student-athletes enjoy the same type of outstanding experience that Tina did wearing the Husky uniform.”

78-0 Hazy IPA will roll out across Connecticut this summer, led by West Haven, CT-based Star Distributors, followed by the launch of additional brands that celebrate other distinct moments. It will be available at select local retailers throughout the state, as well as high-profile venues Mohegan Sun Arena and Gampel Pavilion. For more information on 78 Brewing Co. visit 78Brewing.com or follow @78BrewingCo on Instagram.

ABOUT 78 BREWING CO.

Founded by WNBA legend Tina Charles, 78 Brewing Co. brings people together over great beer and even better stories. 78 Brewing’s founding product, 78-0 Hazy IPA, celebrates the University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team’s undefeated 78-0 record spanning two entire seasons, setting a course for Charles’s ongoing, team-oriented commitment to excellence. It serves as the archetype for the stories 78 Brewing strives to honor – stories marked by discipline, perseverance and greatness, both on and off the field. 78-0 Hazy IPA is rolling out through select retailers across Connecticut. For more information on 78 Brewing Co. visit 78Brewing.com or follow @78BrewingCo on Instagram.